My nephew Jake got into skateboarding about a year ago. Initially, I reckoned it was just another phase. But he stuck with it, got genuinely serious about skating.
His parents had no clue where to get gear. They went to some random sports store at the shopping center and bought what looked reasonable. The board seemed fine, the price seemed okay.
Things fell apart within six weeks. Wheels kept coming loose. The deck started delaminating. Bearings barely rolled. Jake was gutted.
His mate from the skate park told him to go to a proper skate shop next time. Made a massive difference. Quality gear that lasted, actual advice from people who skate, setup done properly.
You get actual quality products
Proper skate shops stock genuine gear from legitimate brands. Not cheap knockoffs. Not department store rubbish that falls apart immediately. Actual equipment designed and tested by people who genuinely skate.
The difference in quality is night and day. A decent board from Skate Warehouse will last ages if you look after it. Cheap stuff from random stores might look similar, but will not hold up. The decks crack easier, trucks bend, wheels wear out fast,and bearings seize up.
Quality matters for safety, too. Dodgy equipment can hurt you. Trucks that snap while riding. Wheels that come loose. Bearings that seize. This is not just about wasting money, it is about not ending up inthe hospital.
Plus, quality stuff performs better. Proper bearings roll more smoothly. Good wheels grip better. Quality decks have better pop and flex. When you are learning tricks, having gear that responds properly makes a genuine difference.
Jake’s second board was completely different from his first. He could not believe how much easier everything felt. Tricks he had been struggling with suddenly clicked because his board was actually working properly.
Staff who actually know their stuff
Big box stores hire whoever and give them basic training. They know nothing about skateboarding, cannot tell you what size deck you need. No clue about wheel hardness, cannot explain the truck’s width. They just read the packaging.
Proper skate shops employ people who actually skate. They know the gear inside out because they use it themselves. Recommend specific setups based on what kind of skating you do. They give advice from real experience.
When Jake needed new wheels, the staff asked detailed questions. What surfaces does he skate on? What tricks is he working on? His skill level. Then they recommended specific wheels that would suit him, and explained exactly why those wheels made sense.
Try getting that advice at a random sports store. You will get someone pointing you at whatever is on sale.
Real skate shop staff can help with setup and maintenance, too. Showing you how to properly tighten trucks. Explaining when bearings need cleaning versus replacing. Teaching you how to grip tape a deck. This knowledge is valuable when starting out.
You support the actual skate community
Proper skate shops are usually heavily involved in the local scene. They sponsor local skaters. They organize events and competitions. Support skate parks. They create spaces where skaters can connect.
When you buy from these shops, your money goes back into supporting skateboarding in your area. Not into some corporate chain that does not care about skating beyond profits.
Jake’s skate shop runs weekly sessions at the local park where experienced skaters help beginners learn the basics. Completely free. They have sponsored Jake to compete in a few local competitions, covering his entry fees.
This matters. Skateboarding thrives on community. Having shops that actively build and support that community makes the whole scene stronger. It creates opportunities for young skaters. It keeps skateboarding accessible.
Plus, local shops often have better relationships with brands. They get exclusive products, limited editions, and stuff you cannot find at big chains. They get early access to new releases.
You can actually try stuff before buying
Online shopping is convenient, but you cannot try things before committing. Decks are really personal. The width, the concave, the shape, and how it feels under your feet. These things matter, and you cannot assess them from photos.
At a proper skate shop, you can stand on decks, feel the concave, compare widths, and get a sense of what suits you. You can spin wheels, check bearing quality, and feel the truck’s tightness.
This is important when starting out, and you have no idea what you need. An experienced shop worker can watch you stand on different decks and tell you what size and shape would suit your stance.
Jake tried on about fifteen pairs of skate shoes before finding ones that fit properly. Online, he would have been guessing. Instead, he found shoes that fit his feet perfectly and have lasted ages.
Returns are easier too. If something is not right, you can take it back to the shop and sort it out in person. No messing with postage, waiting for refunds, arguing over email.
The shopping experience is enjoyable
Going to a proper skate shop is genuinely fun. You are surrounded by skate culture. Videos playing. Boards everywhere. Other skaters are hanging around. It is an experience not just a transaction.
Jake loves going to his local shop even when he is not buying anything. He checks out new stock, watches videos, and chats with staff and other customers about skating. It has become part of his weekly routine.
This matters especially for younger skaters. The shop becomes a community hub. A place to meet other skaters, learn about local spots, and hear about events. It builds connections and friendships around skating.
The shop also becomes your go-to place for advice. Something breaks on your board, you can pop in, and they will help fix it. Not sure what size bearings you need, they will sort you out quickly. Wondering about a good spot to practice, they will tell you exactly where to go.
Compare that to buying online or from a department store. You get a box delivered or walk out with a bag. Zero community, zero connection, zero ongoing support.
Why it matters
Jake’s parents spent maybe twenty bucks more getting his second board from a proper skate shop. But that board lasted eight months versus two months. Plus, he got actual advice, proper support, and became part of the local skate community.
The value you get from shopping at proper skate shops goes beyond just the products. You get knowledge, community, quality, support, and an enjoyable experience. That is worth paying slightly more for, especially when the gear lasts properly anyway.
Next time you need skate gear, skip the big chains and random online retailers. Find your local proper skate shop and support them. You will get better gear, better advice, and be supporting something that genuinely matters to the skateboarding community.
Disclaimer
This article is based on personal opinions, experiences, and anecdotal examples intended for general informational purposes only. The references to individuals, skate shops, and brands (such as Skate Warehouse) are illustrative and do not constitute endorsements, sponsorships, or guarantees of product quality or performance. Skateboarding involves inherent risks, and equipment choices should be made based on individual needs, skill levels, and professional advice where appropriate. Readers are encouraged to research and consult reputable skate shops or qualified professionals before purchasing skateboarding equipment. The author assumes no responsibility for injuries, losses, or damages resulting from the use of information presented in this article.
John